On Tuesday, Jay Shah of India was elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), set to take over from Greg Barclay in December. Shah, who has been serving as the Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since October 2019 and as Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will officially assume the role on December 1, 2024. With Barclay opting not to seek a third term, Shah was the only candidate for the position. Following his election, Shah outlined his vision to enhance the global presence and appeal of cricket, emphasizing the sport’s potential growth with its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which he sees as a significant milestone for cricket’s development.

Jay Shah Becomes The New ICC Chairman

“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated in a statement.

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“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.”

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Shah, who will be turning 36 next month, added, “While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflexion point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”

Shah’s appointment signifies a pivotal moment for the ICC, as the organization seeks to enhance cricket’s international presence and further its growth. He is the fifth Indian to attain a leading role within the International Cricket Council.

N. Srinivasan (2014-15) and Shashank Manohar (2016-2020) previously served as ICC Chairmen, while Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997-2000) and Sharad Pawar (2010-2012) have both held the position of ICC President.